Mr. Shakespeare
Alcoholism
During college years it is very common for students to consume alcohol on the
weekends and sometimes during the week. Because alcohol is usually available and
usually present at every college party, drinking becomes “the thing to do”. Social
drinking on the weekends is one thing, but many take it much farther than that. Some
students look to get wasted or intoxicated. When students get into the habit of abusing
alcohol to get drunk on a consistent basis this becomes a problem, and the disease
known as alcoholism can develop. As a college student it becomes clear to me that
some of my friends and acquaintances are developing signs of abusive drinking and in
some cases signs of alcoholism have already begun to set in. Because of these
reasons, I am curious to find out what alcoholism really is.
The signs and symptoms of alcoholism, possible causes, risk factors leading to
alcoholism, screening and diagnosis, possible treatments, and how to avoid becoming
an alcoholic. Learning more about this topic is important to me because of my
connection with people who are family members of alcoholics, as well as individuals
who may be alcoholics. Alcoholism can be defined as an addiction to the consumption
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Alcohol An Issue Within College Society Essay, Alcohol An Issue Within College Society Alcohol: An Issue within College Society Do you remember graduating high school? Remember all the questions you had to ask yourself. What are you going to do now? Do you want to work? Do you want to go to school again for another four years? These questions are eventually answered and some choose to find a job, ...
to alcoholic liquor or the mental illness and compulsive behavior resulting from physical
dependence of alcohol. Because it is a physical dependence, and affects the brain,
addiction and dependence are the common labels used to describe drinking habits. Use
refers to simple use of alcohol. Misuse, heavy use, and problem use suggest
consuming of alcohol beyond the point where it causes physical, social, or moral harm
to the individual. Abuse and dependence are defined as a ‘preoccupation with the
consumption of alcohol, and a physical desire to consume alcohol’. In addition to these
levels of alcohol use and misuse, there are four symptoms to describe alcoholism. They
are craving, a strong need, or urge to drink, loss of control; not being able to stop
drinking once drinking has begun, physical dependence; withdrawal symptoms, such as
nausea, sweating, shakiness, or anxiety after stopping drinking. And tolerance; the need
to drink greater amounts of alcohol to feel drunk. This can come to the point where an
alcoholic’s craving to consume alcohol can be as strong as the need for food and water.
Because of this an alcoholic will continue to drink, despite serious family, health,
or legal problems. “Alcoholism is considered a chronic, often progressive disease, and
alcoholic until death, unless treated. The symptoms of alcoholism can also be applied to
alcohol abuse, but abuse can lead to dependence, and criteria set up by a
questionnaire. It’s a method to screen for alcoholism and can determine if an abuser is
actually an alcoholic. Answering yes to two or more of the questions can indicate
alcoholism. But what is more difficult to diagnose and understand is the cause of
alcoholism. Drinking alcohol alters the balance of chemicals in the brain, such as
gamma-amino butyric acid, which inhibits impulsiveness, and glutamate, which excite
the nervous system. Alcohol also raises dopamine levels in the brain. This is
responsible for the good feeling one gets from consuming alcohol. Excessive drinking
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... impairment. Drinking in early adolescence is also known to increase the risk for alcohol dependence. Background ... from leading a healthy and happy life. Alcoholism is often blamed to be the ... a specific condition of the brain called “alcoholic clementia”, in which individuals develop difficulty ... group members. Disparities in power may include physical, mental, social, or financial power. Research ...
over a long period of time can deplete or increase the levels of dopamine; the body
begins to crave alcohol to restore the brain to equilibrium. Other factors can lead to
alcohol abuse than causes an addiction. These factors are: Genetics, which is passed
down from parents to children. Emotional state, high levels of stress or anxiety.
Psychological problems, such as having low self-esteem or depression, also having
friends or a partner who drinks regularly could promote excessive drinking.
It is difficult to distance yourself from people who are close to you who may be
drinking. Steady drinking over a period of time can produce a physical dependence.
Drinking more than 15 drinks a week for men or 12 drinks a week for women increases
the risk of developing dependence. But drinking alone is a single risk factor that can
contribute to alcoholism. Because alcoholics slowly admit to their problem with alcohol,
the disease goes untreated and multiple health complications can occur. As time goes
by, excessive alcohol use can cause fatigue and short-term memory loss, as well as
weakness and paralysis of your eye muscles. More seriously, however are liver
disorders. Excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure and damage the heart.
These increase the risk of heart failure or stroke. Alcoholics run a higher risk of
domestic abuse and divorce, poor performance at work or school, increased risk of
arrests related to drunk driving, alcohol related injuries, and greater chance of suicide
and murder. Reading the list of problems and complications associated with alcoholism
Teen Drinking Alcohol Drink Causes
Teen Drinking According to Men's Health, "alcohol kills more teenagers and young people than any of the other drugs taken to affect mood and behavior (heroin, cocaine, marijuana)." This issue interests me due to the many friends I have who drink overwhelmingly. Also, I have so many cousins that are younger than me that I am concerned about with this issue. There are many reasons to why teens may ...
is enough to make one never to drink again; unfortunately for an alcoholic it is not that
simple. Alcohol is an addictive substance and it can be extremely difficult to break an
addiction. However there are treatment centers set up to do just that.
Prevention is the key to avoid becoming an alcoholic. Avoiding drinking out of
habit and while bored, and setting drinking limitations before consuming alcohol are a
few ways to prevent alcoholism from becoming a problem. It is also important to drink
slowly and wait in between drinks. This will help cutting back on drinking altogether.
Most importantly learn how to say no. It is not necessary to drink simply because
everyone else is drinking, and saying no politely should not offend friends. Alcoholism is
a very serious illness that effects millions. Drinking with friends and drinking heavily can
encourage alcoholism, and it is important to separate activities with friends from
drinking. The information I found is very important and will be helpful to make better
choices for others and myself close to me.
